BCA-5IT-105 Computer Fundamentals & Office Management Tools

Computer Software, Computer Languages, Internet Basics

UNIT - II
Part – A (2 Mark Questions)
1. What do you mean by software?
Software refers to the programs, applications, and data that a computer
uses to perform specific tasks. It is the intangible component of a
computer system, as opposed to the hardware, which is the physical
equipment.
2. What are the types of computer software?
1. System Software
2. Application software

3. Distinguish between applications and system software.

Feature Application Software System Software

Purpose User-oriented System-oriented

Word processors, Operating systems, device

Examples
games drivers

Functionali Provides services to Manages hardware and

ty users resources

Dependen It relies on system

Forms the foundation
cy software

4. What is a utility program?

Utility programs are software tools designed to perform various tasks
related to computer maintenance, optimization, and system
administration. They are often included with operating systems or can be
purchased separately.

5. Define low-level language.

Low-level languages are programming languages that are closer to the
machine code that computers directly understand. They are designed to
interact directly with the hardware components of a computer, providing
granular control over the system's operations.
6. What is compiler.

- A compiler is a software program that translates high-level programming

languages into machine code. This process is called compilation.
- High-level languages are easier for humans to read and write, but computers can
only understand machine code, which is a sequence of binary digits (0s and 1s).
The compiler takes the source code written in a high-level language and converts
it into an equivalent machine code program that can be executed by the computer.
7. What do you mean by Http and Https?
HTTP:
 Unencrypted: Data transmitted using HTTP is not encrypted, meaning it
can be intercepted and read by third parties.
 Common: Widely used for most websites on the internet.
 Typical use cases: Websites that do not require secure transmission of
sensitive information, such as static content (images, text), public forums,
and non-transactional websites.
HTTPS:
 Encrypted: Data transmitted using HTTPS is encrypted using SSL/TLS
(Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security), making it secure and
protected from eavesdropping.
 Recommended for sensitive information: Used for websites that
handle sensitive information, such as online banking, e-commerce, and
login pages.
 Indicated by a padlock icon: Web browsers typically display a padlock
icon in the address bar to indicate that a website is using HTTPS.

8. Explain W.W.W
WWW stands for World Wide Web. It is a global system of
interconnected hypertext documents accessed through the internet. The
WWW is a vast network of websites, pages, and links that allows users to
access and share information, resources, and services from around the
world.

9. What is a web browser?

- A web browser is a software application that allows users to access and view web
pages on the internet.
- It acts as an interface between the user and the World Wide Web, interpreting
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), the language used to create web pages.

10. What is Gopher?

Gopher is a distributed document retrieval system developed in the early
1990s. It was one of the first systems to allow users to navigate through a
hierarchical structure of documents on a network.
Key features of Gopher:
 Hierarchical structure: Gopher organizes documents into a tree-like
structure, making it easy to navigate and find information.
 Menu-based interface: Users interact with Gopher through a simple menu
system, selecting items to view or download.
 Text-based: Gopher was primarily designed for text-based interactions,
although it could also handle simple graphics.

11. What is Telnet?

Telnet is a network protocol used for providing a virtual terminal
connection over a network. It allows users to access remote computers
and execute commands on them as if they were sitting at a physical
terminal.
 Key features of Telnet:
 Text-based: Telnet is a text-based protocol, meaning that all
communication is in the form of text.
 Unencrypted: Telnet does not encrypt data, making it vulnerable to
eavesdropping.
 Simple: Telnet is a relatively simple protocol, easy to implement and use.

12. What is Internet?

The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that allows
users to communicate, access information, and share resources. It is a
vast network of networks, connecting billions of devices worldwide.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------

Part – B (15 Mark Questions)

1. Explain system software and its types.
System Software is a type of computer software that manages the
computer's hardware and provides a platform for other software
(application software) to run. It acts as the foundation of a computer
system, controlling its resources and interacting directly with the
hardware.
Types of System Software:
1. Operating Systems (OS):
o The core of a computer system, responsible for managing hardware
resources like CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices.
o Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
2. Device Drivers:
o Software that enables communication between the computer's
hardware components (e.g., printers, scanners, sound cards) and
the operating system.
o Ensure that hardware devices function correctly and are compatible
with the operating system.
3. Utility Programs:
o Tools used for system maintenance, optimization, and
troubleshooting.
o Examples: antivirus software, disk defragmenters, system cleaners,
file compression tools, backup software.
4. Firmware:
o Software embedded in hardware devices, such as BIOS (Basic
Input/Output System) in motherboards or firmware in printers.
o Controls the basic functions of the device and interacts with the
operating system.
5. Programming Tools and Libraries:
o Used for developing software applications.
o Examples: compilers, linkers, debuggers, and libraries of pre-written
code.
Key functions of system software:
 Resource management: Allocates and manages system resources like CPU
time, memory, and storage.
 Process management: Controls the execution of multiple programs
simultaneously.
 File management: Organizes and manages files on storage devices.
 Input/output handling: Manages communication between the computer
and external devices.
 User interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the computer.

2. What is application software? Explain its types.

Application Software is a type of computer software designed to perform
specific tasks for users. It interacts with the user through a graphical
interface or command-line interface, allowing users to accomplish various
objectives.
Types of Application Software:
1. Productivity Software:
o Word Processors: Used for creating, editing, and formatting text
documents. (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer)
o Spreadsheets: Used for organizing, analyzing, and manipulating
data in tables. (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice
Calc)
o Presentation Software: Used for creating and delivering
presentations. (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, LibreOffice
Impress)
o Database Management Systems: Used for storing, organizing, and
retrieving data. (e.g., MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server)
2. Multimedia Software:
o Media Players: Used for playing audio and video files. (e.g., VLC
Media Player, Windows Media Player, iTunes)
o Image Editors: Used for creating, editing, and manipulating images.
(e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, CorelDRAW)
o Video Editors: Used for creating, editing, and producing videos.
(e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
3. Business Software:
o Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Used to manage various
business processes, such as finance, human resources, and supply
chain. (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics)
o Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Used to manage
interactions with customers. (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho CRM)
o Accounting Software: Used for managing financial transactions and
accounting records. (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Sage)
4. Education Software:
o E-learning Platforms: Used for online learning and education. (e.g.,
Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas)
o Educational Games: Used for teaching and learning through
interactive games. (e.g., Minecraft: Education Edition, Prodigy,
BrainPOP)
5. Entertainment Software:
o Games: Used for entertainment and leisure. (e.g., Fortnite,
Minecraft, The Sims)
 o Streaming Services: Used for streaming movies, TV shows, and
music. (e.g., Netflix, Spotify, Hulu)
6. Specialized Software:
o Engineering and Design Software: Used for designing and
engineering products. (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB)
o Scientific Software: Used for scientific research and analysis. (e.g.,
SPSS, SAS, Mathematica)

3. Explain the features of a good programming language.

A well-designed programming language is essential for efficient and
effective software development. Here are 8 key features to consider:
1. Readability:
The language should be easy to read and understand, even for those
unfamiliar with the code. Clear syntax, consistent formatting, and
meaningful variable names contribute to readability.
2. Writability:
A good language should be easy to write in, allowing developers to
express their ideas concisely and naturally. This includes features like
expressive syntax, intuitive constructs, and minimal boilerplate code.
3. Reliability:
The language should be reliable, minimizing the risk of errors and bugs.
This can be achieved through features like strong type systems, memory
safety mechanisms, and robust exception handling.
4. Efficiency:
The language should compile or interpret code efficiently, resulting in fast
execution times. This is especially important for performance-critical
applications.
5. Portability:
A good language should be portable, allowing code to be easily transferred
and run on different platforms and operating systems.
6. Community and Ecosystem:
A strong community and ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools can
significantly enhance the development experience. It provides resources,
support, and accelerates development.
7. Flexibility:
The language should be flexible, allowing developers to solve problems in
different ways and adapt to changing requirements. This includes features
like polymorphism, inheritance, and generics.
8. Learning Curve:
A reasonable learning curve is important, especially for new developers.
The language should be easy to learn and understand, without sacrificing
power or expressiveness.

4. Explain the difference among assembler, compiler and interpreter.

Assembler, compiler, and interpreter are all tools used to translate human-
readable code into machine-executable code. However, they differ in their
approach and the level of abstraction they operate on.
Assembler:
 Level of Abstraction: Lowest level.
 Input: Assembly language.
 Output: Machine code.
 Process: Converts assembly language instructions, which are mnemonic
representations of machine code, directly into machine code.
 Example: MASM (Microsoft Macro Assembler), NASM (Netwide Assembler).
Compiler:
 Level of Abstraction: Higher level than assembler.
 Input: High-level programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java, Python).
 Output: Machine code or intermediate code (e.g., bytecode).
 Process: Translates the entire high-level program into machine code or
intermediate code before execution.
 Example: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Clang, javac.
Interpreter:
 Level of Abstraction: Higher level than assembler.
 Input: High-level programming language.
 Output: Executes the code directly.
 Process: Executes the high-level code line by line, translating each line
into machine code and executing it immediately.
 Example: Python interpreter, JavaScript engine in a web browser.

Key Differences:

Assemble
Feature Compiler Interpreter
r

Level of
Lowest Higher Highest
Abstraction

Assembly High-level High-level

Input
language language language

Machine code
Machine Executes
Output or intermediate
code directly
code

Line-by-line
Direct Translates
Process translation and
translation entire program
execution

Python
MASM, GCC, Clang, interpreter,
Example
NASM javac JavaScript
engine

5. Explain different elements of the web in detail.

Elements of the Web:
The World Wide Web (WWW) is a vast interconnected network of
information and resources accessible through the internet. It consists of
various elements that work together to create the online experience we
are familiar with.
 1. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
 Structure: HTML defines the structure and content of a webpage.
 Elements: It uses elements like <html>, <head>, <body>, <p>, <img>,
and <a> to organize text, images, links, and other content.
 Example: <p>This is a paragraph of text.</p>
2. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
 Presentation: CSS controls the presentation and styling of HTML elements.
 Properties: It uses properties like color, font-size, background-image, and
margin to modify the appearance of elements.
 Example: p { color: blue; font-size: 18px; }
3. JavaScript (JS)
 Behavior: JS adds interactivity and dynamic behavior to web pages.
 Functionality: It can manipulate HTML elements, handle user input, and
communicate with servers.
 Example:
document.getElementById("myButton").addEventListener("click",
function() { alert("You clicked me!"); });
4. Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
 Address: A URL is the unique address of a resource on the web.
 Components: It typically consists of a protocol (e.g., http://), a domain
name (e.g., www.example.com), and a path (e.g., /index.html).
 Example: https://www.google.com/search
5. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
 Communication: HTTP is the protocol used to transfer data between web
servers and clients (browsers).
 Requests and Responses: It defines the structure of requests and
responses, including methods like GET, POST, and PUT.
 Example: A browser sends an HTTP GET request to a server to retrieve a
webpage.
6. Domain Name System (DNS)
 Translation: DNS translates human-readable domain names into numerical
IP addresses.
 Servers: It relies on a network of DNS servers to resolve domain names
efficiently.
 Example: When you type "www.example.com" in your browser, DNS
resolves it to the corresponding IP address.
7. Web Server
 Hosting: A web server is a computer that stores and delivers web pages.
 Software: It runs software like Apache, Nginx, or IIS to handle HTTP
requests and send responses.
 Example: A web server might host the website of a company or
organization.
8. Client-Side and Server-Side Scripting
 Client-Side: Scripts executed on the user's device (e.g., JavaScript).
 Server-Side: Scripts executed on the web server (e.g., PHP, Python, Ruby).
 Example: A client-side script might validate a form before submission,
while a server-side script might process the form data.

6. Explain logical and physical address in detail.

 Logical and Physical Addresses
In computer systems, addresses are used to locate specific memory
locations. There are two primary types of addresses: logical and physical.
Logical Address:
 Abstract Representation:
A logical address is an abstract representation of a memory location that is
used by the operating system or a program to reference data.
 Virtual Memory:
In modern systems, logical addresses are often used in conjunction with
virtual memory, which provides an illusion of a larger memory space than
is physically available.
 Memory Management Unit (MMU):
The MMU translates logical addresses into physical addresses at runtime.
 Example:
A program might reference a variable using a logical address like
0x00001234.

Physical Address:
 Direct Memory Location:
 A physical address is a direct reference to a specific memory location on
the system's physical memory.
 Hardware-Based:
Physical addresses are used by the hardware (CPU, memory controller) to
access data.
 MMU Translation:
The MMU translates logical addresses into physical addresses based on
the memory management scheme (e.g., paging, segmentation).
 Example:
A physical address might be 0x80000000, which refers to a specific
location in the system's RAM.
Key Differences:

Feature Logical Address Physical Address

Abstract
Nature Direct memory location
representation

Operating system,
Used by Hardware
programs

Translation Requires MMU No translation needed

Memory Involved in virtual Directly references

Management memory physical memory

Relationship Between Logical and Physical Addresses:

 Virtual Memory Systems: In systems with virtual memory, the MMU maps
logical addresses to physical addresses based on the current state of the
memory management system (e.g., page table).
 Paging: In paging, logical addresses are divided into pages, and physical
addresses are divided into frames. The MMU uses a page table to map
pages to frames.
 Segmentation: In segmentation, logical addresses are divided into
segments, and physical addresses are divided into segments. The MMU
uses a segment table to map segments to physical addresses.

7. What do you mean by ISP? Define the levels with examples.

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides internet
access to its customers. ISPs typically offer a range of services, including:
 Dial-up: A slower connection using a phone line.
 Broadband: A high-speed connection using cable, fiber optics, or DSL.
 Wireless: A connection using cellular data or Wi-Fi.
Levels of ISPs:
1. Tier 1 ISPs:
These are the largest and most powerful ISPs, often operating on a global
scale. They have direct connections to other Tier 1 ISPs, forming the
backbone of the internet. Examples include AT&T, Verizon, and Level 3
Communications.
2. Tier 2 ISPs:
These ISPs have connections to Tier 1 ISPs, allowing them to provide
internet access to a wider range of customers. They may also have
connections to other Tier 2 ISPs. Examples include Comcast, Time Warner
Cable, and Cox Communications.
3. Tier 3 ISPs:
These are smaller ISPs that typically serve a local area or region. They
often purchase internet access from Tier 1 or Tier 2 ISPs. Examples include
smaller regional cable companies and DSL providers.

8. Explain IPv4 and IPv6?

IPv4 vs. IPv6
IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) are
the two primary protocols used for addressing devices on the Internet.
IPv4
 Structure:
IPv4 uses 32 bits to represent an IP address, allowing for a total of 2^32
(4,294,967,296) unique addresses.
 Dotted Decimal Notation:
IPv4 addresses are typically written in dotted decimal notation, where
each byte (8 bits) is represented as a decimal number between 0 and 255.
For example, 192.168.1.1 is a valid IPv4 address.
 Depletion:
Due to the limited number of available IPv4 addresses, the address space
is nearing exhaustion. This has led to the development and adoption of
IPv6.
IPv6:
 Structure:
IPv6 uses 128 bits to represent an IP address, allowing for a total of 2^128
(approximately 340 undecillion) unique addresses.
 Hexadecimal Notation:
 IPv6 addresses are typically written in hexadecimal notation, using a colon
(:) to separate the 16-byte segments. For example,
2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334 is a valid IPv6 address.
 Advantages:
IPv6 offers several advantages over IPv4, including a much larger address
space, improved header structure, and enhanced security features.
Key Differences:

Feature IPv4 IPv6

Address Size 32 bits 128 bits

Dotted Hexadecim
Notation
decimal al

Address
Limited Vast
Space

Current
Depleting Expanding
Status

Transition from IPv4 to IPv6:

The transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is a gradual process. Many networks and
devices continue to use IPv4, but IPv6 is being increasingly adopted to
accommodate the growing number of internet-connected devices. Several
techniques are used to facilitate the transition, such as dual-stacking
(using both IPv4 and IPv6 on the same device) and tunneling
(encapsulating IPv6 packets within IPv4 packets).

9. What is internet? Explain its advantages.

The Internet: A Global Network
The internet is a vast, global network of interconnected computers that
allows users to access and share information, communicate, and conduct
various activities. It's a fundamental tool in today's world, connecting
people, businesses, and governments across the globe.
Advantages of the Internet
1. Access to Information: The internet provides access to a vast amount of
information, including news, education, research, and entertainment.
2. Communication: The internet facilitates various forms of communication,
such as email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media.
3. Business: Businesses can use the internet for e-commerce, marketing,
customer service, and collaboration.
4. Education: The internet offers a wealth of educational resources,
including online courses, tutorials, and research materials.
5. Entertainment: The internet is a major source of entertainment, with
streaming services, online games, and social media platforms.
6. Social Connections: The internet allows people to connect with friends,
family, and like-minded individuals from around the world.
7. Efficiency and Productivity: The internet can improve efficiency and
productivity by streamlining tasks, automating processes, and enabling
remote work.
8. Innovation: The internet has fostered innovation in various fields, from
technology to healthcare to education.
9. Global Reach: The internet connects people and businesses from all over
the world, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

10. Differentiate between high-level, machine-level and

assembly-level languages

High-Level, Machine-Level, and Assembly-Level Languages

Programming languages can be broadly categorized into three levels:
high-level, machine-level, and assembly-level.
High-Level Languages:
 Human-Readable: Designed to be easily understood by humans.
 Abstraction: Provide a high level of abstraction from the
underlying hardware.
 Examples: C, C++, Java, Python, JavaScript
 Features:
o Easier to learn and use compared to lower-level languages.
o More portable across different hardware platforms.
o Typically slower to execute than lower-level languages.
Machine-Level Languages
 Hardware-Specific: Directly understandable by the computer's
hardware.
 Binary Code: Consist of sequences of 0s and 1s.
 Examples: Binary representations of instructions for specific
processors.
 Features:
o Most efficient in terms of execution speed.
o Difficult to write and understand for humans.
o Highly platform-dependent.
Assembly-Level Languages:
 Low-Level: A symbolic representation of machine code.
 Mnemonics: Use mnemonics to represent machine instructions.
 Examples: x86 assembly, ARM assembly.
 Features:
o Closer to machine code than high-level languages.
o Offer more control over hardware resources.
o Require a deeper understanding of the underlying architecture.
Key Differences:

Machine- Assembly-
Feature High-Level
Level Level

Abstractio
High Low Medium
n

Readabilit Human- Unreadable Semi-readable

 y readable

Portability High Low Medium

Performan
Lower Highest Medium
ce

Complexit
Lower Highest Medium
y

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------